One day, I was picking something up in the grocery area at a big box store for a friend. I was wearing jeans and an anime T-shirt. A woman walked up to me and asked where something was.

Me: “Sorry, I don’t work here.”

Woman: “Why not?”

Me: “Probably the same reason you don’t. I make more money not working here.”

Then, I walked away from her. She was dumbfounded and just stood there in the aisle.

I am out with my family for my brother and sister’s birthday. They were born on the same day (four years apart) and they have chosen this nice burger place for their special dinner.

As I’m getting my soda, an old gentleman at the condiment section next to me speaks to me.

Old Gentleman: “Excuse me, miss?”

Me: “Yes? Can I help you, sir?”

Old Gentleman: *Getting a better look at me* “Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you worked here.”

I am wearing a blue hat, and the workers at this place all wear blue hats or blue visors.

Me: “Oh, that’s my fault. I apologize, sir. I just really like hats. Do you still need help?”

It turns out he accidentally spilled some fry sauce on the floor and needs a little help cleaning it up.

Old Gentleman: “No, I just need someone to bring a mop.”

I take a quick look at the workers. They’re all wearing blue shirts while my shirt is green.

Me: “Well, the real workers here are wearing blue shirts.”

Old Gentleman: “Oh, thank you.”

Right at that moment, a worker in blue walked by and we immediately grabbed his attention. He promised to help with the cleanup right away and I went back to my table, the older gentleman and I bidding each other a nice evening.

It may not seem like a big deal, but with all the bad encounters with customers who assume you work at a certain place and won’t take no for an answer, it was rather nice to experience a nice version for myself.

One day, when I was fourteen — and looked WAY younger — I was with my dad in a liquor store. As my dad looked at some wine bottles, I wandered around, looking at some bottles with pretty labels. I was wearing a bright pink shirt and a skirt — I had no fashion sense — and the store’s employees wore dark red shirts and black pants.

This lady walked up to me.

Lady: “Where are the vodka and rum?”

I didn’t understand at first.

Me: “I don’t know.”

She looked insulted and raised her voice.

Lady: “Well, you should know that! You should try to be more respectful and help me!”

Me: *Confused* “Well, I don’t know where the vodka or the rum is, and I’m confused as to why I should know that and how it’s disrespectful not to.”

She was pi**ed. She started yelling.

Lady: “You should know the store better, and you should be more polite! I’m going to call the manager!”

And then, she stormed off.

At that point, my father heard a part of the conversation and came to ask what had happened. I told him, and he looked as confused as me.

The lady came back with a man in a store uniform and a tie. The lady was now red and angry.

Lady: “Your employees are rude, and they don’t know anything!”

The man looked at me and started laughing, along with my dad and me.

Me: “You really thought I worked here? I’m not even old enough to drive, let alone drink!”

She looked shocked and then offended. She stormed away without buying anything. We had a great laugh.

About fourteen years ago, when [Security Company] provided security for [British Grocery Chain], I also worked for [Security Company] but was based at the airport. One morning after a twelve-hour night shift, I decided to go into a [British Grocery Chain] store I pass on the way home and get a sandwich.

I had my work uniform on, but I was wearing a grey jacket on top so people would know I wasn’t on duty. I went into the store, picked up a basket, and headed to the sandwich counter. I was browsing the selection and I heard someone say, “Excuse me,” but, not expecting anyone to be talking to me, I carried on looking for my desired sandwich.

Then, suddenly, the basket was slapped out of my hand and there was this snarling man’s face less than an inch from mine.

Man: “I’M NOT PAYING YOU TO SHOP! GET TO THE FRONT OF THE STORE RIGHT NOW!”

I was tired and very confused and could only muster the reply:

Me: “What?”

Man: “I TOLD YOU, GET TO FRONT DOORS! We’ve been open for customers for the last thirty minutes and you’ve not been at your position once, and now I find you buying snacks!”

That’s when the penny dropped.

Me: “I know the store’s open to customers; I am one. I work for the same company that provides your security, but I am not your guard.”

With those words ringing in the man’s ears, all the colour in his face drained away as he realised what he had just done to a customer. Suddenly, he became completely apologetic.

Man: “If there’s anything I can do for you, I’ll gladly help!”

Me: “I would like help carrying my basket around the store; I am tired from a long night shift.”

Man: “I’ll get someone to help you immediately.”

Me: “I don’t want someone else to carry my basket; I want you to carry it.”

I originally only intended to buy a sandwich, but to teach this guy a lesson, I spent thirty minutes in the store and went down every aisle.

I’m shopping at a large retail chain where the employees wear blue shirts. I’m wearing jeans and a blue pullover sweater, and I have a shopping cart. I stop to look at something and a woman approaches me.

Woman: *Demanding* “Take me to find [item]! I can’t find it!”

Me: “I don’t work here, ma’am.”

Woman: “What?! I’m going to tell your manager you’re refusing to help me!”

Me: “Yeah, have fun with that.”

I walk away from her and keep shopping.

A few minutes later, the woman finds me again with a manager in tow. The manager confirms that I’m not an employee.

Woman: “Well, why is she wearing blue?! She shouldn’t be wearing a blue shirt if she doesn’t work here!”

I think for fun I’m gonna wear a red hoodie to Target next.